Best Bike Shop: Bill's Bikes

Bill's Bikes was voted Best of the Best in the Victoria Advocate's 2013 competition.

Bikes are Bill Yeary's specialty, and Victoria Advocate readers seem to agree. They voted Bill's Bikes best bike shop in the 2013 Best of the Best competition.

He and his family have hawked and tinkered with the top for brands - Diamondback, Raleigh, Trek - at Bill's Bike Shop on East North Street for about 34 years. There, he said, everyone's welcome.

"We're not an elitist type shop," Yeary said, adding they recently started a bicycle book lending library that educates both young and old riders getting into the sport.

Carrying anywhere from 100 to 200 bikes at any given time - all of which get a test ride and warranty check - Yeary said they're well equipped to meet Victoria's demand for outdoor leisure. He said they boast better quality than major retailers.

"It's a little bit like if you want to buy a car. ... If you go to a place that does not have the equipment or the people to repair it, what are you going to do when it breaks?" Yeary said.

They also stock accessories, such as helmets, clothing and cushy Cloud 9 bicycle seats.